"Russia Viewed As Rising Star"

According to The Jerusalem Post: "Russia is viewed as the rising military star in the region while the U.S. is perceived as a falling star."

The news that Russia and Iran had a "secret" deal to place Russia's strategic bombers and strike fighters on an airbase in Western Iran is seen as proof.

"Although Israeli and American intelligence communities knew in advance that Iran agreed to host Russian bombers on its soil, the two countries are puzzled by the development, but understand its strategic importance--not only to the Middle East, but globally."

Aimed at boosting their military cooperation, the secret deal marks a much larger strategy: to increase Russia's influence in the Middle East.

The Post article continues: "In that sense, Putin is taking advantage of the incoherent and hesitant U.S. foreign policy of President Barack Obama. It seems the U.S. is trying to detach itself from world conflicts, which may well result in a new version of isolationism."

With what other countries is Russia "enhancing its military cooperation?"

• China
• Egypt
• Saudi Arabia
• (and just last week)--Turkey

Israeli military officials believe it is clear "that Moscow is trying to create a wedge between the U.S. and its traditional allies."

"American allies--including Israel--understand the new Russian game and its true motives, but still feel they have no choice but to tacitly support it."

Why? Because they believe Russia has a future with up-side potential and the U.S. does not.

A wise woman once said: "God reveals a fascinating and detailed prophecy about a future war campaign against Israel in the book of Ezekiel. The war is known as the "Gog and Magog War" because the people of Magog and their leader, Gog, will lead the attack against Israel. Scripture clearly teaches that this war will be a turning point for Israel with regard to their relationship with God. The sobering, yet exciting aspect of this study is that for the first time since Ezekiel penned these prophecies, the countries that will gather against Israel have built an alliance in recent years. The prophetic puzzle pieces are now in place. It is just a matter of time, that is, God's timing before these prophecies find fulfillment." -- Amy Van Gerpen, Tracking Bible Prophecy

"Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants, the prophets." -- Amos 3:7

News:

• NBC News: Moscow & U.S. State Dept. exchange "withering" remarks over Russia's use of Iranian facilities.
• EurActiv.com: U.S. moves nuclear weapons form Turkey to Romania, according to two independent sources; Romanian Foreign Ministry denied the reports.
• The Sun: Putin masses 40,000 troops, armoured vehicles along Ukraine border as fears of military invasion mount. 

"Armageddon & The Election"

Dick Morris' new book, Armageddon: How Trump Can Beat Hillary, is the number three bestseller in the nation, according to The New York Times. 

"This may be the last election where the United States has a two-party system," warns Morris, best known as a former Clinton adviser and political strategist who has since 'gone rogue'.

"The 2016 election is truly America's Armageddon--the ultimate and decisive battle to save America, a fight to defeat Hillary Clinton and the forces seeking to flout our constitutional government and replace it with an all-powerful president backed-up by an activist judiciary that answers to no one."

(Besides being a run-on sentence, Morris' definition of armageddon flies wild regardless of which side of the political spectrum one leans...but we digress).

For the first time, reports DOWNTREND.com, the top three NYT Non-fiction Bestsellers are anti-Clinton books:
#2-Hillary's America by Dinesh D'Souza who warns: "We are on the brink of losing our country forever. After eight years of Obama, four years--or possibly eight years of Hillary Clinton as President of the United States would so utterly transform America as to make it unrecognizable."

#1-Crisis of Character by former Secret Service Agent Gary J. Byrne. A runaway bestseller by the man posted directly outside the Oval Office during Bill Clinton's reign. Needless to say, he had little good to tell us about the 'up-close-and-personal' Hillary.

One needn't be on the Trump-train to be concerned about the direction this election may take. According to a recent Reuters Poll, 20% of 'born-again Christians' plan to sit this election out.

Trump's net favorability rating among evangelicals is at minus -38%. Clinton's is at -61%.

The problem? The Senate, The House and, most importantly The Supreme Court appointments. Though understandable, it seems vital to resist the temptation to vote with our feet because, while Dick Morris' characterization of a Clinton win as 'Armageddon' may be over-the-top, Dinesh D'Souza's assessment may not be.

A wise man once said: "If we forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." --Ronald Reagan

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 15:33

News:

• Reuters: New Poll Puts Clinton 6 Points Ahead Of Trump In Head-to-Head
• DEBKA file: Russia builds up forces in Crimea with international attention focused elsewhere; fear of invasion builds.
• FNC: Intel services suspected of "cooking the books" when it comes to terrorism; painting a rosier picture than exists.

"Satanic Temple Targets Elementary Schools"

While our children are chasing after Pokemon Go, Satan is busy chasing after our children.

That's right folks. The Satanic Temple has decided to spread their message in public elementary after-school programs.

"We are sure that the school districts we've approached are well aware that they are not at liberty to deny us use of their facilities," Satanist Temple spokesman Lucien Greaves said.

In a statement on their website, the satanists maintain they're entitled to the same accommodations as the 'Good News Club', a Christian organization.

Self-described as "an atheistic religious organization that uses the symbol of Satan to inspire civil justice", the Satanic Temple hopes to counter the Christian groups operating after-school activities in public schools.

'After School Satan' aims to mimic the 'Good News Club', but with a very "different focus."

"It's important that children be given an opportunity to realize that the evangelical materials now 'creeping' into their schools are representative of but one religious opinion amongst many," Greaves said.

An example of 'After School Satan' materials? The Satanic Children's Big Book of Activities featuring cartoon kids wearing goat head and pentagram tee-shirts.

'After School Satan' will make it's first appearance at Vista Elementary School in Taylorsville, Utah.

According to Granite School District spokesperson Ben Horsley, "Any organization can rent our facilities after school hours as long as they pay the fee and aren't doing anything illegal."

'After School Satan' has no plans to stop in Utah. They select schools near existing Satanic Temples.

The problem? Satanic Temples exist pretty much everywhere.

A wise man once said: "The evil day of Ephesians 6:13 is taken by some to refer to the end times when the Evil One will launch a ferocious campaign against Christ and His followers. Our real battle is not with human cultists, false religionists, atheists, or pseudo-Christians, but with the demonic being working in them." -- Richard Patterson, Ph.D

"But Jesus said, "Let the children come to Me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."" Matthew 19:14

News:

• Fox News Channel: Pope: It's 'terrible' children taught they can choose gender; blames textbooks.
• Daily Records: Mother Wins Case To Kill Her Disabled Daughter; first time in U.K. a non-terminal child is allowed to die.
• ABC: Three men arrested in separate internet child sex sting; police urge parents to warn children of dangers of social media. 

"Russia: Convinced of Attack?"

According to Paul Craig Roberts, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury under Ronald Reagan, "Armageddon Approaches," and no one in the West seems to realize it.

In a recently published article, Roberts opens with these words:

"The western public doesn't know it, but Washington and its European vassals are convincing Russia that they are preparing to attack."

Based on a leaked statement reported in Strategic Culture "the German government is preparing to go to war against Russia and has declared Russia to be an enemy nation."

And to make matters worse, the NATO military bases that Washington is establishing on Russia's borders seems to confirm the idea to some Russian politicians.

Roberts believes, "Washington might intend the military build up as pressure on President Putin to reduce Russian opposition to Washington's unilateralism."

However, the ploy could backfire.

For instance, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, founder of Russia's Liberal Democratic Party and Vice-chairman of the Russian Parliament, finds the build up a reminder of "Hitler's troops on Russia's border in 1941."

"In a confrontation with the editor of a German newspaper," Robert continued, "Zhirinovsky tells him that German troops again on Russia's border will provoke a preventative strike after which nothing will remain of German and NATO troops.

Zhirinovsky warns, "The more NATO soldiers in your territory, the faster you are going to die. To the last man. Remove NATO from your territory!" see YouTube video

"It is reckless," says Roberts, "to convince Russia that diplomacy is a dead end without promise. When the Russians reach that conclusion, force will confront force."

Meanwhile, the American public remains blissfully unaware...

Why? Because, according to Roberts, western journalism is dead and western media is blind.

President Putin recently excoriated western journalists: "How do you not understand that the world is being pulled in an irreversible direction toward nuclear war?"

Good question. Maybe it's time the American public looked beyond the American media for their news.

(While Paul Craig Roberts' credentials are impeccable and his facts check out, we often find his political views to be extreme.)

A wise man once said: "If you 're getting your information from U.S. news sources, you have no idea what's going on in the world." -- Pastor Jack Hibbs, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

News:

• Associated Press: Trump to Russia: Uncover, release deleted Clinton emails; outcry follows
• Reuters: N.Korea warns U.S. of 'terrifying price' over nuke tensions; John Kerry: "Very provocative and deeply concerning."
• NBC: Trump: Putin has "a total lack of respect" for Obama. 

"Moscow Preparing For War"

While the American public is gearing up for the most vitriolic presidential campaign in modern history, the Russian people are preparing for war.

Former CNN Foreign Affairs correspondent Jill Dougherty spent the last 2 months traveling from "the Baltic region to Georgia and to Russia," and reported in an article for the  Wilson Center/ Keenan Institute: "Talk of war is everywhere."

The Baltics fear Russian invasion, while The Kremlin believes "NATO and the U.S. are the enemy and Russia must be ready for attack."

Working-class Russians are busy "stocking up on essentials in case of war because in Moscow 'warfever' is at fever pitch."

"The Kremlin," says Dougherty, "is frightened about its grip on the political situation at home--and the geopolitical situation abroad.

"Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev complains that NATO's rhetoric at its summit in Warsaw 'simply howls about the effort to almost announce war against Russia."

Gorbachev claims, "NATO talks about defense, but actually is preparing for offensive action."

Alexander Grushko, Russian's envoy to NATO, says that NATO's "confrontational policy" is being built on a "mythical threat" from Russia.

Maria Zakharova, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman believes Russia has been "demonized" and demands examples of how the nation "is undermining peace and order in Europe."

"Sweden claims that we are threatening them," she said. "The UK says we are a threat. What are the specific examples?"

Foreign affairs expert, Sergei Karaganov contends that "western propaganda against Russia is reminiscent of the period preceding a new war.

"The help offered by NATO is not symbolic help for the Baltic states," he said. "It is a provocation. If NATO initiates an encroachment against a nuclear power like ourselves, it will be punished."

"President Vladimir Putin himself plays both sides against the middle," Dougherty said. "Warning the West that Russia will have to 'strengthen its strategic nuclear forces' in order to counter the U.S. missile shield, while insisting it's the West, not Russia, that's destroying the balance that kept the world from nuclear conflict during the Cold War.

"Russia," says Dougherty, "is trying to deter the West in a very aggressive way because it realizes it is weaker--economically, militarily and in terms of soft power.

"The world, right now, is a very unstable place, for everyone, including Vladimir Putin."

A wise man once said: "Never underestimate the power of a cornered bear." -- Daniel Xu, outdoorhub

"There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

News:

• NBC News: China warns of new missile crisis in Asia if U.S. installs missile defense system in So. Korea.
• The Washington Post: Pentagon's secret new bomber sparks controversy over price tag sticker shock.
• Reuters: NATO: "It is an absolute commitment that we help each other if any one member of NATO is attacked," says UK. Trump not so sure.

"World Instability"

Inch by inch, step by step, national security experts see the risk of nuclear conflict slowly creeping up on the world.

Late last year the Project for Study of the 21st Century (PS21) released a poll of 50 experts from around the globe including:

• leading international relations academics
• former senior military officials
• private sector political risk specialists

"This is the first survey we know of like this," said Peter Apps, executive director at PS21. "There has been plenty of talk of rising tensions with Russia and China in particular, but it's very rare to try and put numbers on that."

So what were the numbers? 52% of the experts believe the risk of a nuclear conflict between great powers would grow over the next 10 years, with 80% expecting proxy confrontations and other forms of "ambiguous warfare" to also increase.

Peter Apps went on to explain: "the aggregate figures show that most major potential for nuclear or conventional wars seem broadly unlikely--but the numbers are still high enough to be worrying. Clearly this is a risk that cannot be entirely discounted."

And now we've got tensions between China and the Philippines escalating dangerously over competing claims in the South China Sea after an international court ruled against Beijing's territorial claims.

China has vowed to ignore the ruling and Beijing's ambassador to the United States warned the decision will "intensify conflict and even confrontation."

Meanwhile, North Korea, under Kim Jong Un, is busy becoming more and more unpredictable. Aggressively arming his nuclear weapons and missile systems, the young Kim is beginning to pose a major threat.

With the added distraction of trying to rein in Russia, Iran, and Syria, the 65 million refugees and protecting our borders (and not to mention the growing threat from terrorism), the next U.S. President will definitely have his/her hands full. 

A wise man once said: " Nobody wants or should even contemplate the use of force. Hopefully the Chinese will come to realize that they have more to lose than to gain from creating a chaotic, lawless situation." -- Paul Reichler, Washington attorney

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains..." Matthew 24:6-8

News:

• Reuters: China Blames United States For Stirring Up Trouble In South China Sea; vows to protect rights
• NBC News: Germany's Open-Arms Refugee Policy Is Taking A Toll; 2.1 million immigrants since last year.
• AP: U.S. Offers Russia New Military Partnership In Syria; dramatic result expected 

"Liar, Liar, Pantsuit on Fire?"

Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, all Americans should be outraged by FBI Director James Comey's statements on Hillary Clinton Tuesday.

Why? "Because our laws should apply to everybody and Hillary Clinton clearly violated the law," said former NYC Mayor, Rudy Giuliani.

As a former prosecutor and Comey's former boss, Giuliani added, "though Jim Comey is a friend of mine, I am shocked by his conclusions."

What exactly were Comey's conclusions?

• Clinton routinely sent classified information on multiple devices through private (unsecured) servers.
• Clinton's private email servers contained more than 2,000 classified documents.
• With 110 marked 'Classified' at the time they were sent
• 8 were marked 'Top Secret'
• 'Hostile actors' likely gained access through the people she contacted.
• Clinton was "extremely careless" with very sensitive, highly classified information (and lied repeatedly under oath when she claimed "none of my emails were classified.")
• Many deleted emails were also classified.

In spite of all that, Hillary Clinton was cleared on Tuesday by the FBI, only days after Bill Clinton and Attorney General Loretta Lynch (who is in charge of the investigation of Hillary!) met secretly in a private jet to discuss...you guessed it---"golf".

Giuliani insists the "gross negligence" by Clinton, outlined by Comey in his statement to reporters, should have resulted in a criminal prosecution. The fact that it didn't was in itself 'gross negligence' on Comey's part.

Meanwhile, Comey acknowledged that rank-and-file government employees might not get off the hook so easily in similar circumstances, and would probably be "subject to security or administrative sanctions."

But not Clinton.

It seems the biggest truth this FBI probe uncovered is that some people really are above the law.

A wise man once said: "If the FBI are no longer prepared to uphold the rule of law, it becomes the duty of the people to see that justice is served. Make your vote count." -- iPhone Conservative

"Live as people who are free. Not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." -- 1Peter 2:16

News:

• Daily Mail: Donald Trump: Clinton "guilty as hell" of violating U.S. Espionage Act by placing state secrets within reach of foreign intelligence services.
• Mirror: 'Black Power' group claims responsibility for police killings and warns of more.
• CNN: Democratic leader Sen. Harry Reid tells Republicans to "just get over it" in regards to Hillary Clinton's email scandal.